Thoughts on the current forward lineup

Not sure if this has been posted yet but, I've been glancing at the forward set up for the upcoming "tentative" season. Based on Babcock's history of line combinations, I think there are plenty of options he'll look at , but these are the two that seem likely in my eyes.

Bottom-six is very good. Among the best units in hockey. Very solid combination of energy, skill and now some "sandpaper" (by Red Wings standards) on the 4th line. Depth plays such a huge role in the NHL and IMO the strongest part of the roster right now is the bottom-six.

Top-six has had issues for years and hasn't improved at all. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are a year older, Filppula has to duplicate his strong season and Franzen will score close to 30 but lacks consistency and effort. The Red Wings have needed a legitimate goal-scoring winger since Hossa left. Bertuzzi and Samuelsson belong nowhere near one of the two top lines on a contending team. The alternatives are unproven players with upside at least, but minimal to no NHL experience. I really like Nyquist and feel his development is one of the most crucial factors in determining the Red Wings ceiling this season.

New e-book: The Spanish-American War: A Brief History. Relatively short, introductory read for casual history buffs and people who want to learn more about a forgotten war that changed America. Available at BN.com, Smashwords, Kobo, and Diesel E-Books right now. Same link as above.

I think that considering the "extra" forwards we have, only one of Brunner and Nyquist play in the league full time this season. And I think (hope) they're going to get that top six forward spot over Bert.

Franzen-Datsyuk-Nyquist/Brunner
FIlppula-Zetterberg-Samuelsson
Bert-Helm-Cleary
Miller-Abs-Tootoo
Emmerton & Mursak (one of these two is dealt or waived when Eaves is medically cleared)

I really wish we had a more offensively driven 3rd line forward. No disrespect to Helm at all, but I just think a 4th line of Abdelkader-Helm-Tootoo would be one of the very best in the league. Plus, Abs at center doesn't do it for me. Helm can do the job at as the 3C, but boy would that 4th line rock.

In terms of that first line, I really don't want to see Pavs stuck with Mule and Bert again. I think Nyquist or Brunner have more raw, offensive talent at this point. I think Brunner, as a shoot first guy, would give us a more passive Mule... as he'd just dish the puck out to him. With Nyqust, Mule might be forced to shoot a bit more. Who knows for certain.

This is how I see it panning out, anyway.

The most popular choice among the Red Wings as to who would volunteer to play goalie – several Panthers did in their game – was Brendan Smith.

"He's pretty competitive and he seems to be good at everything," Justin Abdelkader said. "He'd volunteer himself."

Babcock was a bit more hesitant about Smith. "Yeah, yeah, just work on getting out of your zone," Babcock said

I think they're still too small and not physical enough up front, especially come playoff time.

Jordin Tootoo is a start. Not a big guy, but he'll give us some much-needed sandpaper come playoff time. Hopefully we can get a physical defenseman before the summer is up. A guy like that on the back end will help in the postseason, as well.

"Ice hockey is a form of disorderly conduct in which the score is kept."

Emmerton most likely waived in that situation, and Eaves on IR since we can't actually ice a 5th line. I really think Nyquist is smart enough to play on Datsyuks line. Cleary could very well get top line minutes if he's healthy. Still kind of pains me I see Abdelkader at center but there really isn a whole lot of room for another winger at this point, however.

Me, too, I'm excited to see the variables in play. Sammy, Brunner, and Nyquist will make or break this offense. I don't think our offense will be markedly better than last year, but I'm thinking we may be less frustrated from a lack of work ethic out there.

New e-book: The Spanish-American War: A Brief History. Relatively short, introductory read for casual history buffs and people who want to learn more about a forgotten war that changed America. Available at BN.com, Smashwords, Kobo, and Diesel E-Books right now. Same link as above.

I think my biggest concern with the forward core is the lack of size up front, I really worry that we'll be held to the perimeter against good defenses. We obviously have some pretty good skill up there though so I'm sure we'll see some highlights throughout the season. I'm REALLY interested to see this Brunner kid though. If his shot is half as good as people say it is we might see a pretty dynamic top six this season.